Forever Tide: My True Identity

Chapter Eight

Mama was moving quickly, and with grace as she packed our bags, and plenty of food. Every chance she got I noticed how she would brush my hand, or pat my back, she was going to miss me. No matter how strong my Mama appeared it was hurting her deep inside to lose her baby girl. It made me feel selfish, selfish to be leaving them after they had done so much for me.

“Mama, I am sorry I am leaving. I would stay with you.”

“Now Baby girl I want you to listen good to what I have to say. You are meant for something great, yes it hurts to see my baby girl all grown up and about to head out on her own but this is what you are meant to do. You have been a blessing, your Papa and I would not change the fact that we have spent the last fifteen years raising you as our own.

When your mother gave us the task of looking out for you I knew that one day I would have to let you go. I knew that day would be the hardest day of my life. Looking back on that choice though, there is not a thing I would do differently. You brought me joy, the joy of being a mother when I never thought it would be possible.

There have been times over your time with us that I was frustrated, angry, and even sad at the fact that you are not mine. When I would hold your hand as we walked to the park, I would always wonder what was going to happen when you grew up. Each time you jumped in that water, a piece of my heart broke. I have always known you were not mine. You are a blessing child. I am asking that you honor us, your parents by sticking true to what we raised you to be. I want you to go down and bless the people of your kingdom. I want you to show them that Emilae truly is Queen Emileana Vara Glazzka. You my daughter are beautiful inside and out. Remember that and my love for you wherever you go.”

“Mama, I love you.”

Tears soaked her shirt as I let the water works flow. I had yet to cry, yet to be frightened. I have been so excited at the prospect of Atlantis that I never imagined that I would hurt leaving this home behind. The old white washed bungalow, the stormy seas of the sound out my wind. Papa and his old rusted fishing boat. Those are what made me, and here my Mama was telling me that I was a blessing to her, that no matter what she wouldn’t have changed a thing, that she loved me. She was the blessing to me, and I would be sure that the people of Atlantis knew that I would not be who I was without my Mama.

“Are my two favorite girls ready to go?”

“Yep we are Papa, let me alert Sanshea.”

“Is she the only one going with us?”

“Nope, so is Gwen.”

Papa laughed when I lifted up my hair to reveal my dainty little crab. Gwen was turquoise, and blended in so well that no one ever knew she was with me. I loved having her close, she always seemed to notice the details that I would forget, and thanks to her my lessons became a whole lot easier. I know that once I am in Atlantis her assistance is going to be valuable.

“Is that little one always with you?”

“Yep Papa, I carry around with me everywhere, she is great at remembering what I tend to forget, and ever so helpful at reminding me how to address people. She is my trusted sidekick.”

“Ah, well I will be happy to have her with us. Anyone else? Maybe your cousin, I know that you two have gotten to be rather close.”

“No not this time, I love having Aslean around but I want time with my family, and since I have to have guards with me I chose the two that would interfere the least.”

“Okay, darlings lets get this trip on the ocean.”

“Papa, you are not funny!”

“Oh Emi, I am your Papa I will always be funny.”

He was my Papa, I loved his lame sense of humor, and constant sea puns. It drove everyone else crazy; I was proud to call him Papa.

Mama had taken one hand, and Papa the other, I was safe and sound on the walk down to our boat. The warmth that they both provided had always struck me as funny. How was it that just their presence alone could warm me through to the core.

I was excited to go on one last family trip with them. It would give us time to say goodbye, and to remember all the good times that we had.